The use of GPS in Professional Football

Introduction

Welcome to The Football Physio, where we explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping the world of football. In this article, we explore the game-changing application of GPS technology and its profound impact on professional football.

From tracking total distance to analysing high-intensity sprints and player load, GPS systems have become an integral part of training, monitoring, and optimising performance. In this article we will look at the current application of GPS and its role in revolutionising the beautiful game.

The Evolution of GPS in Football

The use of GPS in football has come a long way since its inception. What once started as a basic system to track players’ movement has evolved into a sophisticated technology capturing an array of performance metrics.

From the early days of simple speed and distance measurements, GPS systems now provide granular insights into players’ physical exertion using measures such as accelerations, decelerations, biomechanical load, and much more. This evolution has been fuelled by advancements in sensor technology, data analysis algorithms, and a growing understanding of how data-driven insights can enhance player performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Enhancing Performance Insights

GPS technology has revolutionised how we understand and analyse player performance in professional football. By collecting real-time data on various metrics, teams can gain valuable insights into player workloads, physical exertion levels, and movement patterns.

Here are some of the key metrics used by professional teams;

Total distance covered offers a broad overview of a player’s activity and overall volume during training sessions and games, as well as across the full training week.
High-intensity distance measures the explosive bursts of speed and sprinting capabilities of football players. High speed running exposure is important from an injury prevention perspective, but it also exposes the players to increased levels of stress and fatigue. Because of this, high speed running needs to be carefully periodised into a players training programme.
Accelerations and decelerations are explosive movements that place a high level of musculoskeletal loading on the body, sufficient accel / decel exposure is required to condition football players to the high amounts of changes of direction and speed that occurs during training and games.
Player load, a composite metric taking into account distances covered as well as accelerations, decelerations, and changes in direction, this provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall physical demand on a player’s body.

(Example data analysis from the STAT Sports Apex Coach system)

Primary Applications

Training Load Monitoring:

The strategic applications of GPS in professional football are vast and transformative. Sport scientists and coaches can use the data collected from GPS systems to tailor training programs, monitor fatigue levels, and assess player readiness for matches.

By understanding the physical demands of different positions and playing styles, teams can optimise training sessions to mimic match conditions and improve performance specificity.

Injury Prevention, & Rehab:

GPS technology also offers invaluable insights for injury prevention and rehabilitation. By monitoring the workload and movement patterns of players, teams can identify potential red flags and adjust training loads accordingly. Furthermore, GPS data can aid in monitoring players’ return-to-play progress after injuries, ensuring a gradual and safe transition back to full fitness.

Performance Profiling:

This involves using GPS data as a talent identification tool by developing specific performance profiles for certain positions. Having specific physical output targets for each players position allows for training programmes to be targeted to improve the physical attributes needed for that particular role.

Match Analysis & Recruitment:

Beyond the field, GPS systems have revolutionised match analysis and scouting. Tracking player positioning and movement during matches allows teams to identify patterns, evaluate tactical effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to gain a competitive edge.

Future Developments

Continuous Progress from GPS Providers:

The application of GPS technology in football extends beyond the traditional tracking devices. Innovations such as Catapult Sports’ wearable technology, STATSports’ athlete monitoring platforms, and PlayerMaker’s boot-mounted sensors have revolutionised how teams capture and interpret player data.

Catapult Sports’ wearable devices provide accurate and real-time data on various metrics, enabling teams to monitor player performance and workload during training sessions and matches. STATSports’ athlete monitoring platforms combine GPS tracking with advanced analytics, offering teams a comprehensive overview of player performance and health. PlayerMaker’s boot-mounted sensors provide unique insights into players’ technical skills and movement patterns, enhancing the development and performance optimisation process.

GPS and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning:

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to revolutionize the analysis of GPS data in professional football. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data collected from GPS systems, uncovering hidden patterns, and providing actionable insights.

With machine learning techniques, AI can identify correlations between performance metrics and specific outcomes, such as injury risk or match success. This advanced analysis enables teams to make data-driven decisions, optimise training strategies, and fine-tune player development plans.

By leveraging AI in GPS data analysis, football teams can unlock deeper layers of understanding and gain a competitive advantage in the pursuit of excellence on the pitch.

Recommended GPS Products

STATSports GPS Tracking System – Available here

The GPS Tracker is worn within your Apex Performance Vest and monitors 16 movement related metrics during training or games. Data includes total distance covered, maximum running speeds, as well as accelerations and decelerations. Users get stats sent directly to their mobile phones, and you can compare your stats against benchmarks from professional players!

Playermaker Tracking System – Available here

The Playermaker football trainer analyses both physical and technical data. It is useful to manage your training load when recovering from injury. Some of the data that it measures includes: total distance, running speed, sprint count, kick velocity, average time spent on the ball, touches by leg, releases by leg. . . and much more!

Conclusion

The use of GPS technology has become an indispensable tool in professional football. By tracking and analysing performance metrics such as total distance, high-intensity sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and player load, teams can gain valuable insights into player performance, tailor training programs, and reduce the risk of injuries.

The evolution of GPS technology, combined with innovative applications from companies like Catapult Sports, STATSports, and PlayerMaker, has transformed the game and opened new frontiers for player development, tactical analysis, and injury prevention.

As the beautiful game continues to evolve, GPS technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football, driving performance to new heights, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the pitch.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and personalised recommendations based on your specific condition. Some affiliate links may also be used in this article, these are from products we have specifically selected to display based on our own experience.

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